Health Canada authorizes health claim for Chr. Hansen’s DDS-1

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Probiotics player Chr. Hansen has received authorization from Health Canada for a functional claim that “DDS-1 helps improve abdominal pain severity and symptomology in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in adolescents and adults.”

Health Canada also authorized two other claims for the probiotic strain L. acidophilus, DDS-1:

“Helps minimize symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in adolescents and adults,

“Helps balance and maintain healthy intestinal flora.”

The authorized use of these health claims is based on a daily dose of 10 billion CFU (number of live bacteria) for adults and for adolescents, said the company.

Commenting on the authorization, Dr Gregory Leyer, senior director, Scientific Affairs, Human Health, Chr. Hansen, said: “We are very excited that one of our probiotic strains has received an official health claim in Canada. We see this as exceptionally good news that adds credibility and a quality stamp to the science behind our product, since the authorities have carefully evaluated all our data and scientific documentation prior to approval.”

The scientific support for the strain includes a 2020 study, published in Nutrients, which found that DDS-1 consumption for six weeks was associated with significant improvements in the IBS Symptom Severity Scale, compared to placebo, and this included symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, bowel habits, and quality of life.

The study was said to be the sixth largest probiotic-digestive health clinical trial, and included over 300 people.

“We expect that an officially registered health claim will drive increased interest, not only in this particular strain, but in our scientifically backed probiotics and their potential benefit in general, both in Canada and other markets,” added Dr Leyer.

An estimated 15% of people worldwide experience discomfort from gastrointestinal discomfort which is the second-most common cause of employees staying away from work, costing employers approximately $21 billion in lost productivity.